Radio timepiece

ABSTRACT

A radio controlled watch comprises a case made of a nonconductive material, having a middle ( 30 ), back ( 31 ) and a shield ( 32 ), and an antenna ( 38 ) provided in the case, and a part of the case is covered by an exterior member ( 47 ) made of conductive material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a radio controlled watch which receivesa radio wave including time information, and corrects the time of thewatch in accordance with the information.

BACKGROUND ART

There has already been known an electronic watch which receives wavessuch as a standard wave. More particularly, a radio controlled watchwhich receives the standard wave (carrier) including time informationand extracts the time information from the radio wave so as to obtain anaccurate time is known. The frequency of the radio wave including thetime information varies from country to country, and for instance inJapan, the standard wave of 40 kHz is transmitted under the supervisionof Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

FIG. 1 schematically shows functions of an example of such a radiocontrolled watch.

The radio controlled watch comprises an antenna 1, radio controlledwatch receiver 2, CPU 3 and a display driver 4. Although not shown, thewatch further includes hour and minute hands or a display such as aliquid crystal display.

The antenna receives radio waves including time information. The radiocontrolled watch receiver then amplifies and detects the received radiowave and extracts the time information from the radio wave which is thenoutputted. The CPU generates the present time data based on the timeinformation from the receiver. The display driver displays the presenttime on the display based on the present time data from the CPU.

An input device 5 may be provided for applying the CPU operationinformation such as resetting.

The time information (time code) included in the radio wave is a 60second cycle pulse signal. The time information includes a pulse havinga width of either one of 200, 500 or 800 (msec) per second. The timeinformation can thus be obtained in 60 seconds by combining thesepulses. The CPU 3 reads the pulse width of the pulse per second of thereceived pulse signal so as to obtain the time information (presenttime). The CPU corrects the time shown on the display through thedisplay driver 4 based on the obtained time information.

Thus, by correcting the displayed time at a predetermined interval basedon the received time information, the radio controlled watch alwaysshows the accurate time.

There has already been provided a radio controlled watch where theantenna, radio controlled watch receiver, CPU, display driver, and thedisplay are housed in a case. The case is mainly made of a nonconductivematerial such as a synthetic resin and ceramics so that the antenna mayreceive the radio wave.

Namely, when the antenna is housed inside a case made of conductivematerial such as metal, a magnetic field of the antenna generates anelectromotive force in the metal case, thereby inducing an electriccurrent in the case. As a result, the magnetic field is disturbed by theelectric current so that the reception ability of the antenna is soreduced as to be unable to receive the standard wave.

However, when a case of synthetic resin is used in order to avoid radiodisturbances, not only resistances of the case against scratches andchemicals are decreased, but also classiness and handsome appearancewhich are necessary for watches used as personal adornments are alsodeteriorated.

Accordingly, there has been proposed a radio controlled watch wherein ametal case is employed.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the construction of the radio controlledwatch having a case, a part of which is metal.

A case 10 of the watch schematically comprises a middle 11, back 12 anda shield 13. A movement 14 is disposed in the middle, which is connectedto a band (not shown), by a known means. A dial 15 and hands 16, whichare display means for indicating time, are also disposed by a knownmeans. A bar antenna 17, which is a magnetic long wave antenna, ispositioned under the movement and above the back. The bar antennacomprises a magnetic core 18 made of ferrite and a coil 20 wound aroundthe magnetic core, and is secured to the upper surface of a holdingmember made of synthetic resin.

The movement 14 has the aforementioned radio controlled watch receiver,CPU and the display driver and is electrically conductive with the barantenna 17 through a conductor 21. Thus, the CPU in the movementoperates a gear mechanism (not shown) of the display driver inaccordance with the standard wave received by the bar antenna so as toconstantly correct the position of the hands 16 of the display.

The upper and lower direction referred herein is based on the verticaldirection shown in FIG. 2.

The middle 11 is made of not hollow but solid conductive metal such assolid stainless steel. The shield 13 made of glass, which is anonconductive material, is fixed on the top of the middle by a knownmeans such as adhesive. The dial 15 is made of nonconductive materialsuch as synthetic resin and ceramics. The back 12 comprises an annularframe 22 of stainless steel fixed to the middle 11 and a glass 23 fixedin the frame.

Although the nonconductive material can be recognized on the upper andlower surfaces of the case, the watch is thus advantageous in that thecase thereof is constructed of metal side portions so that theclassiness and the handsome appearance of the personal adornment aremaintained.

However, since the watch shown in FIG. 2 employs a metal body as thecase, the disadvantage of disposing the antenna adjacent the metalmember cannot be avoided. Hence, compared to an instance where the caseis entirely composed of nonconductive material, the bar antenna of thewatch has almost 40% less reception ability. Accordingly, in a regionwhere it is difficult to receive the standard waves, far from thetransmitting station for example, the watch often cannot receive thestandard waves.

In addition, when the space between the inner wall of the metal middleand the antenna is enlarged so as to prevent disorder in the receptionability of the bar antenna, there arises a problem that the case becomesextremely large, disproportionate for wearing on a wrist.

In order to resolve the problems, there has been proposed a constructionwhere a middle is composed of nonconductive material and externalmembers made of conductive material such as metal are disposed on upperand lower portions of the middle so that the reception ability of thebar antenna is improved.

However, if the upper and lower external portions are conducted to eachother, an annular electric current is generated, thereby substantiallydeteriorating the reception ability of the antenna.

Taking into account of these technical problems, the first object of thepresent invention is to provide a radio controlled watch device or asignal receiving device where a radio wave including predeterminedinformation such as time information can be favorably received, eventhough a conductive material such as metal is recognized on the outside.

The second object is to provide a radio controlled watch device or asignal receiving device where a conductive material such as metal isrecognized on the outside, and which is reduced in size.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The radio controlled watch according to claim 1 of the present inventioncomprises a case made of a nonconductive material and containing anantenna and a watch movement, and an exterior member made of conductivematerial attached on an outer portion of the case.

In accordance with the construction, the case for containing the antennais nonconductive while the exterior member covering at least a part ofthe outer surface of the case is made of conductive material such asmetal. Accordingly, the distance between the antenna and the conductivemember is increased than in a watch with a conductive case so that radiodisturbance is less liable to occur. Hence a radio controlled watch, anantenna of which is capable of good radio reception, is provided.

Moreover, since the distance between the antenna and the conductivematerial is increased without enlarging the case, the size of the casecan be decreased compared to the conventional case.

In addition, due to the conductive metal exterior member, the radiocontrolled watch is accorded a metallic look. This enables the case tobe recognized as being made of a solid metal, thereby maintainingclassiness and beautiful appearance although a nonconductive case ofsynthetic resin is used.

The exterior member referred here is not a coating such as paint orplated film, but an individual member separated from the case.

Moreover, it is preferable to employ a metal, more particularly,non-magnetic metal and low magnetic metal as the conductive material ofthe exterior member so as not to deteriorate the reception ability ofthe antenna. For example, non-magnetic material such as gold, silver,copper, brass, and aluminum may be used as the metal for the exteriormember. Alternatively, an austenitic stainless steel which has a lowmagnetism among stainless steels may be used. Furthermore, the metal maybe titanium or titanium alloy.

As the nonconductive material for the case, synthetic resin, rubber, andceramics may be used. For example, PC (polycarbonate), ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin may be used.

Although each member is secured to one another by screws in theembodiments, the radio disturbance can be further prevented when securedby adhesives.

The radio controlled watch of claim 2 is characterized in that the casehas a large thickness in an axial direction of the watch compared with athickness of the exterior member.

In accordance with the construction, since the nonconductive case havinga thickness larger than that of the exterior member is provided betweenthe conductive exterior member and the antenna, the distance between theconductive exterior member and the antenna is increased without fail.Hence a radio controlled watch, the antenna of which having a furtherbetter radio reception can be provided.

The exterior member is, for example, formed of a metal plate coveringthe case.

In accordance with claim 5, the exterior member comprises a plurality ofmembers.

In accordance with claim 6, the exterior member covers an upper surfaceand a periphery of a middle of the case.

Thus, since the upper surface and the periphery of the case are coveredby the exterior member, the radio controlled watch has an extremelymetallic look.

In accordance with claim 7, it is preferable that the exterior member isdisposed in a plane other than a horizontal plane including an axis ofthe core.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a deterioration of receptionability of the antenna caused by an electric current induced in theconductive exterior member.

In accordance with claim 8, it is preferable that the exterior member isdisposed at a location other than on an extension line of an axis of thecore.

In accordance with claim 9, the case comprises a plurality of parts atleast two of which are secured to each other by a screw and the screw isdisposed at a location other than on an extension line of an axis of thecore.

Thus radio disturbance of the antenna due to screws is prevented even ifthe screws are made of a conductive material such as metal.

Furthermore, the radio controlled watch according to claim 10, theexterior member covers an upper surface of the middle.

In accordance with the construction, the upper surface of the case,which is most likely to be noticed by the wearer, has an appearance ofmetal. The periphery and the underside of the case need not be coveredby the exterior member. Thus, the antenna can be kept away from theexterior member while giving the radio controlled watch a metallic look,thereby providing a radio controlled watch capable of good radioreception.

In accordance with claim 12, in the case the exterior member covers theupper surface of the middle of the case, the distance between theconductive exterior member and the antenna may be increased when theantenna is disposed in a lower portion of the middle.

The object can be achieved when the exterior member has an escapeopening on an extension line of an axis of the core in accordance withclaim 13.

In accordance with claim 14, band connecting legs for connecting bandsfor putting on the watch on a body of a wearer are formed on theexterior member.

Hence, an external force exerted from bands is borne by the exteriormember employing rigid material such as metal.

In accordance with claim 15, it is preferable that the inner peripheryof the escape opening does not construct a closed figure. The reason isthat, if the opening constitutes a closed figure, an electric currentinduced about the opening forms a current ring, which substantiallyinterferes with the reception by the antenna. If a cut out portioncommunicated with the escape opening from the edge of the exteriormember is provided, the inner periphery of the escape opening is opened,thereby preventing the current ring from being generated.

Moreover, in accordance with claim 16, two opposite openings are formedon the extension line of the axis.

In addition, in accordance with claim 17, an ornament layer covers atleast an exposed portion on an outer surface of the case uncovered bythe exterior member. The ornament layer further enhances the appearanceof the radio controlled watch. It is preferable that the ornament layerserves as a protection film for providing resistance against scratchesand chemicals.

Furthermore, in accordance with claim 18, when the ornament layer is ametallic layer assuming a metallic appearance, since the exposed surfacenot covered by the exterior member also assumes a metallic appearance,the radio controlled watch is recognized as made entirely of metalmaterial. Thus, a radio controlled watch having classiness and abeautiful appearance is realized.

The ornament layer may partially cover only the exposed surface of thecase. However, the entire outer surface of the case may be covered bythe ornament layer before the exterior members are mounted. Accordingly,the ornament layer can be easily formed on the case at a low cost.

In accordance with claim 19, the ornament layer may be formed on thecase by such means as coating, wet plating and dry plating.

When the ornament layer is formed by coating, first of all, a primerlayer including a polyurethane lacquer is applied. A colored acryliclacquer is then applied on the primer layer so that a color layerdetermining the tone of the ornament layer is formed. Lastly, atransparent or translucent and further, hard lacquer is applied on thecolor layer to form a protection layer which is preferable in preventingthe color layer to peel off, thereby improving resistance to wear.

Any desired tone such as stainless steel tone or gold tone may bedetermined as the color layer by selecting the tone of the appliedlacquer. When a metallic pigment, for example, is included in thelacquer forming the color layer, the ornament layer having a metalliclook is provided. As the metallic pigment, aluminum powder in the formof phosphorous flake, mica flake particles covered with metal oxidessuch as titanium oxide and iron oxide, graphite particles, and glassflake particles the surface of which is covered with metal may beemployed for example.

In order to form the ornament layer by wet plating, firstly, oil,stains, and blemishes are removed from the surface of an injectionmolded case of synthetic resin with alkali solution so as to be cleaned.The surface is then roughened by etching so that the surface becomeshydrophilic for easily becoming wet, and further becomes activated bypolarization. The surface is thereafter cleaned and a catalyst metal isadsorbed on the surface by catalyst treatment. The surface is againcleaned and the catalyst metal is precipitated by accelerator treatmentso that the surface is activated, and the surface is further cleaned.Thus coating is easily formed on the surface.

Thereafter, a nickel coating, for example, is applied on the catalystmetal precipitated on the surface by electroless plating. A coppercoating is then formed on the nickel coating by electrolytic plating,thereby providing a smooth surface as well as a shock proof property.Thus, a ground coat layer is formed on the surface of the case.

Thereafter, by forming for example, a palladium coating layer on theground coat layer by electrolytic plating, a silver colored ornamentlayer having a tone close to that of stainless steel covers the outersurface of the case.

Alternatively, when a gold coating layer, or an alloy coating layer suchas of gold-nickel alloy, is formed on the ground coat layer byelectrolytic plating, a gold colored ornament layer covers the outersurface of the case.

However, since the ornament layer thus formed by wet plating constitutesa conductive layer, particularly in instances where the case is anannular frame such as bezel and middle in a watchcase, annular electriccurrent is likely to be induced in the conductive layer. As a result,the annular electric current causes interfering magnetic field, whichdisturbs the reception of the antenna. Therefore, it is preferable thatthe ornament layer formed by wet plating is not a ring. Accordingly, aslit is preferably formed in a part of the ornament layer. The ornamentlayer which covers the annular frame such as bezel and middle is cut bythe slit and hence no longer forms a ring but forms a C-shape so thatthe annular electric current is not generated in the ornament layer. Inorder to form such a slit, a portion where the slit is desired is maskedbefore the ornament layer is formed by wet plating. A masking ink whichis resistible to acid and alkali and removable by electric stripping,for example, is used. In a masking treatment for forming the mask, themasking ink may be manually applied with a brush. Hence the ornamentlayer is not formed on the masked portion so that the masked portionforms the slit. Instead, the mask is removed to expose the outer surfaceof the case so that the exposed portion of the outer surface where theornament layer is not formed becomes the slit.

In order to form the ornament layer by dry plating, such as bysputtering, a stainless steel having low magnetism, such as austeniticstainless steel SUS304, is used as a target and a stainless steelcoating film is formed on the outer surface of the case as the ornamentlayer. Thus the ornament layer having a stainless steel color tone isformed on the case.

Alternatively, a gold coating film or a gold alloy coating film may beformed on the outer surface of the case. Although gold-iron alloy orgold-titanium alloy may be used as the gold alloy coating film, in ordernot to decrease the reception ability of the antenna, gold-titaniumalloy having a low magnetism is preferable.

Sputtering, arc plating, and ion plating may be employed as the dryplating.

Since the ornament layer thus formed by the dry plating is a thin filmwhere metal forms a pillar structure, the ornament layer is advantageousin that the annular electric current which causes interfering magneticfield is less liable to be generated. The aforementioned slit mayfurther be formed on the ornament layer.

The ornament layer of the case is thus formed as coating, wet platinglayer or dry plating layer. At least two of these coating, wet platinglayer and dry plating layer may be combined.

The ornament layer may further be formed on the exterior members mountedon the case by coating, wet plating or dry plating.

For example, when the exterior members are stainless steel, a goldcoating film or a gold alloy coating film having gold color may beformed by dry plating such as ion plating and sputtering. In such acase, although gold-iron alloy or gold-titanium alloy may be used as thegold alloy coating film, in order not to decrease the reception abilityof the antenna, gold-titanium alloy having a low magnetism ispreferable.

For example, an exterior member made of brass, which has a lowmagnetism, is used, and a stainless steel having low magnetism, such asaustenitic stainless steel SUS304, is used as a target so that theornament layer is formed on the exterior member. Thus, a stainless steelcoating film as an ornament layer having a color tone of stainless steelis formed on the outer surface of the brass exterior member.

When ornament layers are formed on the case and the exterior members bywet plating or dry plating, it is preferable that the metal included inthe ornament layers is preferably a non-magnetic material so as not toreduce the reception ability of the antenna. Such a metal is at least ametal chosen from gold, silver, copper, aluminum, magnesium, zinc andalloys thereof.

When the ornament layer is formed on each of the case and the externalmembers, by rendering the color tone of one ornament layer differentfrom that of another, the radio controlled watch is accorded variousappearances. For example, a radio controlled watch having a stainlesssteel color case and gold color external members may be provided.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 20, a plurality of exterior members cover an uppersurface, periphery and a lower surface of the case.

Thus, not only the upper surface and the periphery, but also theunderside of the case is provided with a metallic look.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 21, the exterior member has an upper exterior memberdisposed on an upper surface of the case and a lower exterior memberdisposed on a lower portion of the case. Thus, not only the uppersurface, but also the underside of the case is covered with the exteriormember.

According to claim 22 of the present invention, the escape opening is aprojection opening which is formed at a projection plane formed byprojection light rays in a direction perpendicular to the axis of thecore of the antenna so that favorable reception by the antenna ismaintained.

According to claim 23 of the present invention, in order to maintainfavorable reception of the antenna, it is preferable that the projectionopening has an area larger than an area of a projection of the antenna.

According to claim 24 of the present invention, it is necessary that theprojection opening oppose end portions of antenna. Thus, the area of thecase covered by conductive metal is increased so that the radiocontrolled watch has sufficient metallic look.

In such a case, according to claim 25 of the present invention, in orderto maintain favorable reception of the antenna, it is preferable thatthe projection opening has an area larger than an are of a projection ofexposed end portion exposed from the coil.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 26, there is provided an inserting portion formed inan antenna receiving portion and inserted in the escape opening.

Accordingly, the exterior portion having the opening can be securelymounted on the case without rattling, and further, the exterior membercan be accurately positioned on the case.

In such a case, according to claim 27 of the present invention, it ispreferable that an outer end surface of the inserting portion issubstantially flush with the exterior member having the opening.

Thus not only the appearance of the radio controlled watch is improved,but also edge of the opening is prevented from harming the skin of thewearer so that the safety is ensured.

Further, according to claim 31, if the projection opening is formed in alower exterior member, the projection opening cannot be easilyrecognized so that the appearance of the radio controlled watch is notdeteriorated.

Further, according to claim 32, if the projection opening has an arealarger than an area of a projection of the antenna on an upper exteriormember, and is formed in a lower exterior member opposite each ends ofthe antenna, favorable reception of the antenna is maintained withoutfail. The large opening formed on the upper exterior member may form atime display through which a nonconductive dial can be seen, so that theappearance of the radio controlled watch is not deteriorated.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 33, the exterior member is inserted in a recessformed in the case.

Moreover, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 34, the exterior member engages a ridge projectingfrom the case.

Thus, not only is the exterior member securely mounted on the case, butalso accurately positioned on the case.

According to claim 35 of the present invention, a radio controlled watchcomprises a case made of a nonconductive material and containing anantenna and a watch movement, a plurality of conductive exterior membersattached on the outer portion of the case, and insulating means forinsulating at least two of the exterior members which generates annularconduction when in contact with each other.

In accordance with such a construction, the case containing the antennais nonconductive and the exterior member covering the case is, forexample, metal and hence conductive. As a result, the distance betweenthe antenna and the conductive member is increased, thereby decreasingthe radio disturbance of the antenna than when the case itself isconductive. Thus, there is provided a radio controlled watch where theantenna can favorably receive radio waves.

Since the distance between the antenna and the conductive material isincreased without enlarging the case, the case can be rendered smallerthan in conventional instances.

In addition, the conductive exterior member of such material as metalrenders it possible to apply the radio controlled watch a metallic look.Thus, the case is recognized as being made of solid metal, therebymaintaining classiness and beautiful appearance while employing anonconductive case of synthetic resin.

The exterior member referred here is not a coating such as paint andplated film, but an individual member separate from the case.

More particularly, since an insulating means for electrically insulatingat least two of the plurality of exterior members us provided, it ispossible to prevent the deterioration of the reception ability of theantenna due to the annular electric current induced by the exteriormembers.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 36, it is preferable that the plurality of exteriormembers are disposed to surround the antenna.

Thus, since a large area of the outer surface of the case is covered bythe exterior member, the radio controlled watch further assumes ametallic look.

In such a case, in accordance with claim 37, in order to maintain thefavorable reception of the antenna, it is preferable that the insulatingmeans insulate at least two of the exterior members so as to prevent anannular conduction surrounding the antenna.

In accordance with claim 38, if the antenna is a bar antenna comprisinga core and a coil wound around the core, in order to maintain thefavorable reception of the antenna, it is preferable that the insulatingmeans is provided to insulate at least two of the exterior members sothat the exterior members do not generate an annular conduction about anaxis of the core.

Furthermore, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 39, at least one opening is formed in at least one ofthe exterior members so that the antenna may receive radio transmission.

In accordance with claim 40, the opening in the exterior member isformed by cutting out an outer edge of the exterior member.

In accordance with claim 41, if the antenna is a bar antenna comprisinga core and a coil wound around the core, in order to maintain thefavorable reception of the antenna, the opening is an axial openingformed along an axis of the core.

The insulating means in the radio controlled watch of the presentinvention in accordance with claim 43, the insulating means is means forseparating at least two of the exterior members. Thus, the exteriormembers are not in contact with each other so as to be electricallyinsulated.

In such a case, in accordance with claim 44, the insulating means is ameans for mounting at least two of the exterior members in the case witha space between the exterior members.

Alternatively, in accordance with claim 45, the insulating meansincludes a nonconductive insulating portion disposed between at leasttwo of the exterior members.

In accordance with claim 46, if the insulating portion is an insulatingmember independent from the case, and disposed between at least two ofthe exterior members. Accordingly, the insulating member is securelymounted between the exterior members, and the exterior members areinsulated from each other without fail.

Alternatively, according to claim 47, the insulating portion includes aninsulating projection formed on the case and disposed between at leasttwo of the exterior members. Therefore, the exterior members areinsulated from each other without fail, and moreover, since the case andthe insulating portion are integrated, the assembling of the radiocontrolled watch is facilitated.

According to claim 48, the insulating portion is disposed at a positionopposite a band connected to the radio controlled watch so thatinsulating portion is concealed by the band, and hence the appearance ofthe radio controlled watch is not deteriorated.

According to claim 49, the insulating portion is disposed between a pairof band connecting legs formed on the exterior member for putting on thewatch on a body of a wearer so that the insulating portion is concealedby the legs and therefore not easily recognized.

According to claim 50, the insulating portion is disposed under anoutwardly extending projection so that the insulating portion isconcealed by the projection and therefore not easily recognized.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 51, in order to apply the radio controlled watch witha metallic look, an exposed area of an outer surface of the case ispreferably smaller than an area of an outer surface of the exteriormember.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 52, a plurality of exterior members cover an uppersurface, periphery, and an underside of the case. Hence there isprovided a radio controlled watch where not only the upper surface andthe periphery of the case but also the underside of the case is accordeda metallic look.

Further, in the radio controlled watch of the present inventionaccording to claim 53, the exterior member has an upper exterior memberdisposed on the upper surface of the case and a lower exterior memberdisposed on the underside of the case. Hence not only the upper surfaceof the case but also the underside of the case is easily covered by theexterior members.

In such a case, it is preferable that a peripheral portion for coveringthe periphery of the case is provided in at least one of the upper andlower exterior members according to claim 54.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functions of a radio controlled watch;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a radio controlled watch, a part of acase of which is made of metal;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the watch taken along twelve to sixo'clock axis;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along three to nine o'clock axis;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a watch according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a second exterior member;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the watch along twelve to six o'clockaxis;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the watch along three to nine o'clockaxis;

FIG. 10 is a side view;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an example of the watch;

FIG. 12 is a sectional plan view taken along the axis of a crown;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a part of a third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a part of the third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment where thepresent invention is applied to a watch as seen from above;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view as seen from below;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view as seen from above;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view as seen from below;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the watch taken along twelve to sixo'clock axis;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along three to nine o'clock axis;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the long side of the watch;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the short side of the watch;

FIG. 23 is a plan view;

FIG. 24 is a sectional side view taken along an axis penetrating anantenna;

FIG. 25 is a sectional plan view taken along the axis penetrating theantenna;

FIG. 26 is an end side view of a core of the antenna;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an upper portion of a case;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a lower portion of the case;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a lower portion of an assembledwatch;

FIG. 31 is a sectional plan view; and

FIG. 32 is a plan view as seen from below.

BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment accordingto the present invention, FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the watch takenalong twelve to six o'clock axis, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view takenalong three to nine o'clock axis.

The watchcase 10 as a case comprises a middle 30, back 31 and a shield32. The middle 30 and the back 31 are made of an electricallynonconductive material such as synthetic resin, rubber and ceramics, andthe shield 32, which is made of nonconductive glass, is secured to astepped portion 30 a through a seal 39.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the middle 30 is cylindrical, and as in anordinary watch, a pair of band connecting legs 33 and a crown 34protrudes from the ends thereof. The case contains a dial 35 as a timedisplay, hands 36, movement 37, and a bar antenna 38. The dial 35, whichis made of a nonconductive material such as synthetic resin andceramics, is inserted between a stepped portion 40 of the middle 30 andthe upper surface of the movement 37. The movement 37 has asmall-diameter lower portion thereby forming a large stepped portion 41.The back 31 has an annular projection 43 and is fixed to the middlethrough a seal 46 by a screw 42, rendering the annular projection 43 topush the stepped portion 41 of the movement 37 upward so that themovement and the dial forcefully securely abut against the steppedportion 40 of the middle 30.

The bar antenna 38 comprises a core 44 and a coil 45 wound around thecore and is disposed under the large stepped portion 41 in parallel tothe crown 34. Thus the bar antenna is disposed in a lower portion of thecase.

In order to contain the movement 37, dial 35, hands 36 and the shield32, the middle 30 has a large thickness in the axial direction of thewatch.

In accordance with the present invention, an annular exterior member 47is securely mounted on the upper surface of the middle by a plurality ofscrews 48. The exterior member 47 is made of thin conductive materialsuch as stainless steel, brass, titanium and titanium alloy, andcomprises an upper flat surface 47 a, inclined surface 47 b, and a lowerflat surface 47 c. The screws 48 fix the exterior member at the lowerflat surface. The exterior member 47 is not disposed within the horizonplane including an axis AX of the bar antenna 38 nor on the extensionline of the axis AX.

As described above, the conductive metal exterior member 47 is thin andis provided on the upper surface of only a part of the middle. A largeportion of the case is made of nonconductive material and the barantenna 38 is disposed at the most remote location from the exteriormember 47, and moreover, since the exterior member does not exist in thehorizontal plane including the axis AX of the bar antenna and on theextension line thereof, the radio disturbance is minimized and time canbe reliably corrected.

The time may be digitally indicated by a liquid crystal display.Additionally, the exterior member referred here is not a coating such aspaint and plated film, but an independent member separated from thecase.

In the present embodiment, each member is attached to each other by ametal screw having conductivity. However, if screws made of rigidsynthetic resin or if adhesive is used, the radio disturbance can befurther prevented.

In the first embodiment, the entire outer surfaces of the middle 30 andthe back 31 composing the case are coated with paint including metallicpigment, thereby forming an ornament layer assuming stainless steelcolor having a metallic look.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a watch according to a secondembodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective viewshowing a second exterior member, FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing thewatch along twelve to six o'clock axis, FIG. 9 is a sectional viewshowing the watch along three to nine o'clock axis, FIG. 10 is a sideview of the watch, FIG. 11 is a side view of an example of the watch,and FIG. 12 is a sectional plan view taken along the axis of a crown.

The watch according to the present embodiment is characterized in thatthe watch has, in addition to a middle 50, back 51 and a shield 52, twosets of exterior members, namely, a first exterior member 53 and asecond exterior member 54 of conductive material.

The middle 50 and the back 51 are made of electrically nonconductivematerial such as synthetic resin, rubber and ceramics, and the shield52, which is made of nonconductive glass, is securely attached to astepped portion 50 a of the middle through a seal 49.

As shown in FIG. 6, the middle 50 is cylindrical and has a projectingcrown 56. In the case, there are provided a dial 57, hands 58, movement60, and a bar antenna 61 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The dial 57 is madeof a nonconductive member such as a synthetic resin and ceramics. Themovement 60 has a small-diameter lower portion thereby forming a largestepped portion 63. The back 51 has an annular projection 66 and isfixed to the middle through a seal 65 by a screw 64, rendering theannular projection 66 to push the stepped portion 63 of the movement 60upward so that the movement and the dial forcefully securely abutagainst a stepped portion 50 b of the middle 50.

The bar antenna 61 comprises a core 67 and a coil 68 wound around thecore and, as shown in FIG. 12, is disposed under the large steppedportion 63 of the movement 60 in parallel to the crown 56, that is at alower position in the lower portion of case.

The first and second exterior members 53 and 54 are made of thinconductive material such as stainless steel, brass, titanium andtitanium alloy.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first exterior member 53 having anannular disc shape comprises a slant 53 a inclined downward toward theouter periphery on the upper surface thereof, and a stepped portion 53 bon the underside thereof, and is attached to a flat portion 50 d of theannular projection on the upper surface of the middle 50.

On the other hand, the second exterior member 54 is cylindrical andcomprises a side cover 54 a for covering the side periphery of themiddle, and an engaging portion 54 b protruding inward at the upperportion. The upper surface of the engaging portion 54 b has the sameinclination as the slant 53 a of the first exterior member 53 so thatthe appearance becomes shapely. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the secondexterior member is provided with a pair of band connecting legs 76 atboth ends thereof. The side cover 54 a is securely attached to the sideperiphery of the middle 50 by screws 71. The side cover 54 a is furtherprovided with an opening 73 through which the crown 56 is projected. Theengaging portion 54 b is forcibly engaged with a stepped portion 50 c ofthe middle 50.

In accordance with the present invention, the side cover 54 a has a pairof escape openings 72. Each opening 72 has a cut out portion 72 a formedby cutting out the lower edge of the second exterior member 54. As shownin FIGS. 9 and 12, the opening 72 is formed on the extension line of theaxis AX of the bar antenna 61 as an axis thereof. Since the thickness ofthe side cover 54 a in the radial direction is small and the thicknessof the middle 50 is large, the side cover 54 a is positioned largelydistant from the bar antenna 61.

Thus, there is only the nonconductive middle and no metal member on theextension line of the axis AX of the bar antenna 61, so that althoughthe middle is large in thickness, and in particular, the side cover 54 aof the second exterior member 54 largely covers the periphery of themiddle 50, the radio disturbance is extremely restrained.

Each opening 72 has the cut out portion 72 a so that the cut out portionprevents the annular electric current from being generated around theopening 72 in the second exterior member 54.

If the case where an opening 77 in the shape of a closed circle isformed as shown in FIG. 11, an electric current induced around theopening 77 forms a current ring, which largely disturbs the reception,thereby rendering the opening inappropriate.

Moreover, as shown in the figures, the first exterior member 53 and thesecond exterior member 54 are disposed on the middle 50 apart from eachother. Since the exterior members 53 and 54 are thus insulated from eachother so as not to be electrically conductive, an annular currentcrossing over the exterior members 53 and 54 is not generated. Thus thefavorable reception by the antenna is further maintained.

In the second embodiment, a stainless steel film is formed as anornament layer on the entire outer surfaces of the middle 50 and theback 51 by dry plating. The exterior members 53 and 54 made of brass aremounted on the middle 50. Thus, only the exterior members 53 and 54assume the gold color and the rest assumes the color of stainless steelhaving a metallic look.

A third embodiment will be described hereinafter.

The ornament layer formed by dry plating in the radio controlled watchof the second embodiment is displaced by an ornament layer formed by wetplating in the third embodiment. Thus, the same references numerals asthose of the second embodiment designate the same parts in the thirdembodiment except for the ornament layer.

In the present embodiment, masking ink is applied on a predeterminedarea between a pair of connecting legs 76. Thereafter, a palladiumcoating as an ornament layer is formed on the outer surface of themiddle 50 by wet plating. Thus the ornament layer comprising a palladiumcoating film having the stainless steel color is formed on the outersurface of the middle 50. The masking ink is then removed from themiddle 50 thereby to expose the outer surface of the middle 50.Therefore, the exposed part of the outer surface of the middle 50 isformed as a slit.

FIG. 13 shows a section of the middle 50 in the longitudinal directionand FIG. 14 shows a section in the longitudinal direction of a portionwhere the slit is formed. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a slit 80 isformed as an annular zone of a predetermined width along the uppersurface, outer periphery, underside surface and the inner periphery ofthe middle 50. The slit thus splits an ornament layer 81 covering theannular middle 50 so as not to form an annular conductive layer. Hencean annular electric current, which generates an interfering magneticfield causing a deterioration of reception ability, is prevented frombeing induced in the ornament layer so that good reception ability ismaintained.

On the exterior member 53 composed of an austenitic stainless steel,which has a low magnetism, an ornament layer of gold-titanium alloy filmis formed by dry plating, and then the exterior member is mounted on themiddle 50. The exterior member 54, which is also made of an austeniticstainless steel, is mounted on the middle 50 without forming an ornamentlayer thereon. Thus the radio controlled watch has gold color only atthe exterior member 53 and the rest has stainless steel color having ametallic look.

The slit 80 of the middle 50 is covered by the exterior member 54provided to cover the middle 50 and hence not noticed. Moreover, whenthe band is connected to the band connecting legs 76, the slit isfurther covered by the band. Thus the slit does not deteriorate theappearance of the radio controlled watch. Thus, it is preferable to formthe slit at a portion unlikely to be noticed.

In the present embodiment, the slit is formed by removing the maskingink. However, the masking ink may be kept on, thereby to form the slit.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment as seenfrom above, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view as seen from below,FIG. 17 is a perspective view as seen from above, FIG. 18 is aperspective view as seen from below, FIG. 19 is a sectional view of awatch taken along twelve to six o'clock axis, and FIG. 20 is a sectionalview taken along three to nine o'clock axis.

The watch has a watchcase 85 as a case, upper exterior member 86attached to the upper portion of the case and a lower exterior member 87attached to the lower portion thereof. The case 85 comprises a middle90, back 91 and a shield 92. The middle 90 and the back 91 are made ofnonconductive material such as synthetic resin, rubber and ceramics andthe shield 92 is made of a nonconductive material such as glass andsynthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 19, is securely mounted on astepped portion 90 a of the middle 90 through a seal 99 by forcefitting.

The middle 90 is a square prism in shape, rectangular in plan view, andas shown in FIG. 17, has a crown 94 protruding from one of the longsides thereof. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a dial 95 as a time display,hands 96, movement 97 and a bar antenna 98 are housed in the case. Thedial 95 is made of a nonconductive material such as synthetic resin,ceramics and glass, and is inserted between a stepped portion 100 andthe upper surface of the movement 97. The movement 97 has a small lowerportion, thereby forming a large stepped portion 101. The back 91 has anannular projection 103 at the inner side and is secured to the middlethrough a seal 106 by screws 102 (FIG. 24), rendering the upper surfaceof the annular projection 103 to push the stepped portion 101 of themovement 97 upward so that the movement and the dial forcefully securelyabut against a stepped portion 100 of the middle 90 (FIGS. 20, 24).

The bar antenna 98 comprises a magnetic core 104 and a coil 105 woundaround the magnetic core, and as shown in FIG. 25, is disposed under thelarge stepped portion 101 (FIG. 19) in parallel to the short side of themiddle 90. Namely, the bar antenna is disposed in the lower portion ofthe case.

In order to contain the movement 97, dial 95, hands and the shield 92,the middle 90 has a large thickness in the axial direction of the watch.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, ridges 110 a and 110 b and an insertingportion 111 are formed on each of the opposite long sides of the middle90 on a lower outer wall thereof. The inserting portion 111 is formed incontinuity with the ridges 110 a and 110 b. On the lower outer wall ofthe middle 90 at each of the opposite short sides, L-shaped ridges 110 cand 110 d are symmetrically projected. Each of the ridges 110 a, 110 b,110 c, and 110 d is continuously formed on the outer wall of the middle90, thereby forming stepped portions 112 on the ridges 110 a, 110 b, 110c and 110 d. Each of the outer surfaces of the ridges and the insertingportion is positioned at the same height. As shown in FIG. 25, theinserting portions 111 oppose each other along the axis AX of the barantenna 98 so that the thickness of the middle is large at theseportions. On the upper surface of the middle 90, a rectangular annularprojecting inserting portion 113 is formed for an upper exterior member86 which will later be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, on the underside of the back 91, a rectangularprojecting inserting portion 114 for the lower exterior member 87 isformed, so that a recess 115 is formed around the inserting portion.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, upper exterior member 86comprises an outer peripheral wall 116, upper opening 117 and a sideopening 118 in which the inserting portion 111 of the middle isinserted. Namely, the inserting portion 111 and the opening 118 aresubstantially the same in shape. In addition, a projection 120 projectsfrom the upper portion of each short side of the upper exterior member.The lower side of the side opening 118 is cut away to form a recess 118a, which prevents an annular electric current from being formed aroundthe opening so that a deterioration of the reception ability isprevented.

The lower exterior member 87 further has a bottom opening 121, asupporting plate 123 extending from each of the short sides of theexterior member, and a pair of connecting legs 122 projecting from thesupporting plates.

The assembling of the whole watch is described hereinafter. Referring toFIG. 15, the supporting plates 123 are engaged with the middle 90 at theshort sides thereof, and as shown in FIG. 17, the connecting legs 122are inserted in a space between the L-shaped ridges 110 c and 110 d. Theinserting portion 114 of the back 91 is engaged with the opening 121 sothat the frame around the opening is inserted in the recess 115. Thelower exterior member 87 is then securely mounted on the middle 90 byscrews 125.

Thereafter, as one of insulating portions, insulating members 126 eachof which is a nonconductive rod are formed independent from the middle90 and mounted on the L-shaped ridges 110 c and 110 d. Although the samematerial as that of the case may be used as the material of theinsulating member 126, it is preferable to use a flexible syntheticresin. The upper exterior member 86 is mounted on the middle 90interposing the insulating members 126. Hence the inserting portion 113on the upper surface of the middle 90 is inserted in the opening 117 andthe inserting portions 111 are inserted in the openings 118. Theprojections 120 are also inserted between respective pairs of connectinglegs 122.

Thereafter, the assemblage is completed by fixing the upper exteriormember 86 to the middle with screws 127. Referring to FIG. 17, a band130 is connected to the connecting legs 122 by a pin 130 a.

As shown in the figures, the upper and lower exterior members 86 and 87are mounted on the case 85 with a space there-between, thereby not to bein contact with each other.

More particularly, since the insulating ridges 110 a, 110 b, 110 c and110 d are disposed in the space between the upper and lower exteriormembers 86 and 87, although an external force is applied to one of theexterior members so that the exterior members become close to eachother, the contact between the upper and lower members 86 and 87 isprevented without fail. Likewise, since the insulating members 126 aredisposed between the upper and lower exterior members 86 and 87, thecontact between the upper and lower exterior members is preventedwithout fail.

As shown in FIG. 22, the projections 120 are not in contact with theconnecting legs 122. The L-shaped ridges 110 c and 110 d prevent theprojections 120 and the connecting legs 122 from approaching one anotherin the horizontal direction, or in FIG. 22, right and left directions.More particularly, the vertically extending portions in FIG. 22 of theL-shaped ridges 110 c and 110 d prevent the projections 120 and theconnecting legs 122 from being in contact with one another without fail.

Since the upper and lower exterior members 86 and 87 are mounted on thecase 85 with a space there-between, the insulation between the membersis ensured. Thus, annular current about the antenna is prevented,thereby preventing the reception ability of the antenna to decrease.

In the thus assembled state, the outer walls of the inserting portions111 and ridges 110 a to 110 d are flush with the outer wall of the upperexterior member 86, continual on the same plane without any gaps. Theunderside of the lower exterior member 87 is also flush with theunderside of the back 91. Accordingly, the skin of the user is notinjured when the watch is worn. Moreover, the appearance of the radiocontrolled watch is improved, thereby increasing the merits of the watchas personal adornments and accessories.

As shown in the figures, parts of the case 85 of synthetic resin areexposed and seen through the spaces between the metal exterior members86 and 87. The smaller the exposed area of the case becomes, and hencethe larger the area of the metal exterior members, the more effectivethe metallic look of the appearance of the radio controlled watchbecomes. Hence it is preferable to form the outer areas of the exteriormembers 86 and 87 covering the case 85 larger than the exposed area ofthe case 85.

In addition, each insulating member 126 which is disposed under theprojection 120 is concealed by the projection 120 which extends out ofthe exterior member. The insulating member 126 is disposed between thecorresponding pair of connecting legs 122 and oppose the band 130 so asto be concealed by the band 130. The insulating member 126 is thus lesslikely to be noted so that the appearance of the radio controlled watchis improved. Each insulating member 126 is further protected by theprojection 120 and the band 130 so that external force compelling theinsulating member 126 to be removed from the case is not exerted. Thusthe insulating members 126 are securely mounted on the case.

Furthermore, although screws are employed as securing means forattaching the external members 86 and 87 to the middle 90, the securingmeans is not limited to the screws and therefore, various securing meanssuch as by force fit and adhesive may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 25, the upper and lower exterior members 86 and87 do not exist on the extension line of the axis AX of the core 104 ofthe antenna 98. In order to realize such an arrangement, the openings118 are formed in the upper exterior member 86 on the oppositeextensions of the axis AX in the illustrated example. However, theopenings may be formed in the lower exterior member.

The openings 117 and 121 are formed in the exterior members so that, theexterior members are not disposed in a projection plane when the barantenna is projected by light rays in a direction of a line 133 (FIG.26) perpendicular to the horizontal plane passing through the axis ofthe core 104. In the illustrated example, although the openings 117 and121 are disposed perpendicular to the vertical plane 133 passing throughthe axis of the antenna, the openings may be formed in the exteriormembers along a plane besides the vertical plane passing through theaxis AX. Moreover, the axis projecting openings may be formed in theexterior members in a plurality of planes passing through the axis AX innumbers larger than that shown in the figure.

Even though conductive exterior members are employed, the deteriorationof reception ability caused by electric current induced by the exteriormembers is prevented in the above described construction.

In addition, since the upper and lower exterior members 86 and 87 aredisposed in the case 85 apart from each other, and moreover, byinterposing insulating members, more particularly, the ridges 110 a, 110b, 110 c, and 110 d and the insulating members 126, the short-circuitingbetween the exterior members 86 and 87 are avoided without fail, therebypreventing a substantial deterioration in radio reception caused byannular current.

In the illustrated example, although two exterior members 86 and 87 areshown so as to surround the antenna 98, three or more exterior membersmay be disposed surrounding the antenna 98. In such a case, at least twoof three exterior members are likewise insulated from each other so thatthe exterior members are not annually electrically conductive about theantenna 98. Hence the reception ability is not deteriorated.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention, FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an upper portion of acase, FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a lower portion of the case,and FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a lower portion of anassembled watch.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the opening 121 has a largearea with respect to the case. The fifth embodiment is an achievementresulting from experiments regarding the minimum area of the opening.

Only the portions that differ from those of the fourth embodiment areexplained hereinafter, and the same parts as those of the fourthembodiment are designated by the same references and the descriptionsthereof are hence omitted.

The L-shaped ridges 110 c and 110 d in the fourth embodiment arecombined together to form an insulating projection 129 as shown in FIG.28, so that the insulating members 126 are obviated.

Referring to FIG. 27, a pair of openings 132 are formed in a lowerexterior member 131. As shown in FIG. 32, the openings 132 are formed atleast at locations including areas where the exposed portions of thecore 104 of the bar antenna 98 are downwardly projected. Namely, inorder to maintain favorable reception, it is preferable to render theopenings larger than the projection of the exposed portion of the core.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, on the underside of aback 135, a pair of inserting portion 136 which are inserted in theopenings 132, and a recess 137 wherein the lower exterior member 131 isinserted are formed.

Other configurations and constructions, and also assemblage are the sameas in the first embodiment, and the explanations thereof are thereforeomitted.

PROBABILITY OF INDUSTRIAL EXPLOITATION

In accordance with the present invention, the case for containing theantenna is nonconductive while the exterior members covering the outerportion of the case is made of conductive material such as metal.Accordingly, the distance between the antenna and the conductive memberis increased than in a watch with a conductive case so that radiodisturbance is less liable to occur and hence a radio controlled watchan antenna of which is capable of favorable radio reception is provided.

The distance between the antenna and the conductive member is increasedwithout enlarging the case so that a smaller case is realized than in aconventional watch.

In addition, since the exterior members are made of conductive materialsuch as metal, the radio controlled watch assumes a metallic look. Thisenables the case to be recognized as being made of solid metal, therebymaintaining classiness and beautiful appearance.

The exterior member referred here is not a coating such as paint orplated film, but an individual member separate from the case.

Moreover, a plurality of exterior members may be provided to cover theupper surface, periphery and the underside of the case.

With such a construction, a radio controlled watch having a metalliclook not only on the upper surface and the periphery of the case, butalso on the underside is provided.

Thus, although a conductive exterior member of metal, for example, isused to give a metallic look, an insulating means prevents annularconduction to occur, so that the deterioration of the reception abilityof the antenna is prevented, thereby maintaining the accuracy of thewatch.

1. A radio controlled watch comprising a case made of a nonconductivematerial and containing an antenna and a watch movement, and an exteriormember made of conductive material attached on an outer portion of thecase.
 2. The radio controlled watch according to claim 1 wherein thecase has a large thickness in an axial direction of the watch comparedwith a thickness of the exterior member.
 3. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 1 wherein the antenna comprises a core and a coilwound around the core.
 4. The radio controlled watch according to claim1 or 3 wherein the case includes a middle.
 5. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 1 where in the exterior member comprises a pluralityof members.
 6. The radio controlled watch according to claim 1 or 3wherein the exterior member covers an upper surface and a periphery of amiddle of the case.
 7. The radio controlled watch according to claim 3wherein the exterior member is disposed in a plane other than ahorizontal plane including an axis of the core.
 8. The radio controlledwatch according to claim 3 wherein the exterior member is disposed at alocation other than on an extension line of an axis of the core.
 9. Theradio controlled watch according to claim 3 wherein the case comprises aplurality of parts at least two of which are secured to each other by ascrew and the screw is disposed at a location other than on an extensionline of an axis of the core.
 10. The radio controlled watch according toclaim 4 wherein the exterior member covers an upper surface of themiddle.
 11. The radio controlled watch according to claim 4 wherein theexterior member covers an outer surface of the middle.
 12. The radiocontrolled watch according to claim 4 wherein the antenna is disposed ina lower portion of the middle.
 13. The radio controlled watch accordingto claim 11 wherein the exterior member has an escape opening on anextension line of an axis of the core.
 14. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 11 wherein band connecting legs for connecting bandsfor putting on the watch on a body of a wearer are formed on theexterior member.
 15. The radio controlled watch according to claim 13wherein the escape opening is formed by cutting out an outer edge of theexterior member.
 16. The radio controlled watch according to claim 13wherein two opposite openings are formed on the extension line of theaxis.
 17. The radio controlled watch according to claim 1 wherein anornament layer covers at least an exposed portion on an outer surface ofthe case uncovered by the exterior member.
 18. The radio controlledwatch according to claim 17 wherein the ornament layer is a metal layerwhich assumes a metallic appearance.
 19. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 17 wherein the ornament layer is at least one filmselected from films formed by coating, wet plating and dry plating. 20.The radio controlled watch according to claim 1 wherein a plurality ofexterior members cover an upper surface, periphery and a lower surfaceof the case.
 21. The radio controlled watch according to claim 1 whereinthe exterior member has an upper exterior member disposed on an uppersurface of the case and a lower exterior member disposed on a lowerportion of the case.
 22. The radio controlled watch according to claim13 wherein the escape opening is a projection opening which is formed ata projection plane formed by projection light rays in a directionperpendicular to the axis of the core of the antenna.
 23. The radiocontrolled watch according to claim 22 wherein the projection openinghas an area larger than an area of a projection of the antenna.
 24. Theradio controlled watch according to claim 22 wherein the projectionopening opposes end portions of antenna.
 25. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 23 wherein the projection opening has an area largerthan an are of a projection of exposed end portion exposed from thecoil.
 26. The radio controlled watch according to claim 13 furthercomprising an inserting portion formed in an antenna receiving portionand inserted in the escape opening.
 27. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 26 wherein an outer end surface of the insertingportion is substantially flush with the exterior member having theopening.
 28. The radio controlled watch according to claim 20 wherein anupper exterior member has an outer periphery for covering the peripheryof the case and an axial opening is formed in the outer periphery. 29.The radio controlled watch according to claim 28 wherein a ridge forreceiving an underside of the exterior member is formed on a lowerperiphery of the case.
 30. The radio controlled watch according to claim29 wherein outer surfaces of an inserting portion and the ridge aresubstantially flush with the outer periphery of the upper exteriormember.
 31. The radio controlled watch according to any one of claims 22to 25 wherein the projection opening is formed in a lower exteriormember.
 32. The radio controlled watch according to claim 20 wherein anprojection opening has an area larger than an area of a projection ofthe antenna on an upper exterior member, and is formed in a lowerexterior member opposite each ends of the antenna.
 33. The radiocontrolled watch according to any one of claims 20 and 21 wherein theexterior member is inserted in a recess formed in the case.
 34. Theradio controlled watch according to any one of claims 20 and 21 whereinthe exterior member engages a ridge projecting from the case.
 35. Aradio controlled watch comprising: a case made of a nonconductivematerial and containing an antenna and a watch movement; a plurality ofconductive exterior members attached on the outer portion of the case;and insulating means for insulating at least two of the exterior memberswhich generates annular conduction when in contact with each other. 36.The radio controlled watch according to claim 35 wherein the pluralityof exterior members are disposed to surround the antenna.
 37. The radiocontrolled watch according to claim 36 wherein the insulating meansinsulate at least two of the exterior members so as to prevent anannular conduction surrounding the antenna.
 38. The radio controlledwatch according to claim 37 wherein the antenna is a bar antennacomprising a core and a coil wound around the core is provided, theinsulating means is provided to insulate at least two of the exteriormembers so that the exterior members do not generate an annularconduction about an axis of the core.
 39. The radio controlled watchaccording to any one of claims 35 to 38 wherein at least one opening isformed in at least one of the exterior members so that the antenna mayreceive radio transmission.
 40. The radio controlled watch according toclaim 39 wherein the opening in the exterior member is formed by cuttingout an outer edge of the exterior member.
 41. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 40 wherein the bar antenna comprising a core and acoil wound around the core is provided, and the opening is an axialopening formed along an axis of the core.
 42. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 41 wherein the opening in the exterior member isformed by cutting out an outer edge of the exterior member.
 43. Theradio controlled watch according to any one of claims 35 to 41 whereinthe insulating means is means for separating at least two of theexterior members.
 44. The radio controlled watch according to claim 43wherein the insulating means is a means for mounting at least two of theexterior members in the case with a space between the exterior members.45. The radio controlled watch according to claim 43 wherein theinsulating means includes a nonconductive insulating portion disposedbetween at least two of the exterior members.
 46. The radio controlledwatch according to claim 45 wherein the insulating portion is aninsulating member independent from the case, and disposed between atleast two of the exterior members.
 47. The radio controlled watchaccording to claim 45 wherein the insulating portion includes aninsulating projection formed on the case and disposed between at leasttwo of the exterior members.
 48. The radio controlled watch according toclaim 45 wherein the insulating portion is disposed at a positionopposite a band connected to the radio controlled watch.
 49. The radiocontrolled watch according to claim 45 wherein the insulating portion isdisposed between a pair of band connecting legs formed on the exteriormember for putting on the watch on a body of a wearer.
 50. The radiocontrolled watch according to claim 45 wherein the insulating portion isdisposed under an outwardly extending projection.
 51. The radiocontrolled watch according to any one of claims 35 to 50 wherein anexposed area of an outer surface of the case is smaller than an area ofan outer surface of the exterior member.
 52. The radio controlled watchaccording to any one of claims 35 to 50 wherein a plurality of exteriormembers cover an upper surface, periphery, and an underside of the case.53. The radio controlled watch according to claim 52 wherein theexterior member has an upper exterior member disposed on the uppersurface of the case and a lower exterior member disposed on theunderside of the case.
 54. The radio controlled watch according to claim53 wherein a peripheral portion for covering the periphery of the caseis provided in at least one of the upper and lower exterior members. 55.The radio controlled watch according to claim wherein the opening of theexterior member is formed in peripheral portion.